Can and can't

(1)

EXTRA English 3 Hector Has a Date Grammatik und Übungen

Can and can't

We can use can and can't to indicate ability or lack of ability.

• I can teach Hector how to exercise.

• I can't play the guitar.

• Can you cook like my mother?

A) Complete the following information about yourself and people you know.

1. I ___can / can’t____________________ play the guitar.

2. I ___ can / can’t _________________ speak English well.

3. I don’t know if I can __paint / ride a horse / write a book / ...____ – I've never tried it!

4. I can't _____sing / cook / throw a ball / ..._______________ at all – I'm really bad at it.

5. My mother / father can __cook really well____________ . 6. My sister / brother / cousin can't __swim_____________ . 7. No one in my family can ____speak Finnish___________ . 8. I don't know if anyone in my family can _play an instrument_ .

9. My best friend can __play the piano____ ______ .

10. I know someone who can __tell wonderful stories_______ .

We can also use can / can't to show that it is possible or not possible to do something, often in the near future.

• I can meet you in the evening.

• I can't meet you tonight – I have to do my homework.

• Can you meet me today?

B) Complete this chat room conversation with someone. You don't want to meet this person. Give excuses.

Chris: Hi, this is Chris. Remember me?

You: Oh, yes...

Chris: I'd really like to meet you. Can you meet me tonight?

You: No, I'm sorry, _ I can’t. I have to pick up my sister.____________

Chris: OK, ________can you meet me ________________ tomorrow night?

You: _No, I’m sorry, I can’t. I have to cook dinner for my friend.____________

Chris: Oh. What about the weekend? __Can you meet me then?___________

You: _No, I can’t. I have to go shopping.______________________________

(2)

EXTRA English 3 Hector Has a Date Grammatik und Übungen

Questions with would

Would is commonly used in polite requests and invitations.

• Would you do my washing for me?

• Would you mind doing my washing for me?

Note that the answer to a question beginning would you mind begins with no.

• No, not at all.

• No problem.

For invitations, we often use would you like (to) … ?

• Would you like some water?

• Would you like to have some water?

Note that the positive answer to these questions is yes.

C) Complete these requests and invitations.

1. Would you ___ __like to go ______________ to the cinema with me tonight?

2. Would you __________like to have ____________ dinner with me?

3. Would you __________like to go ______________ for a walk in the park?

4. Would you __________mind talking __________ a little more quietly?

I'm trying to sleep.

5. Would you __________mind making____________ a cup of coffee for me?

6. Would you __________mind waiting____________ outside for a few minutes?

I'm rather busy.

7. Would you __________mind opening____________ the window for me?

8. Would you __________like____________________ a drink?